Monday, July 23, 2018

grammar - Purpose of ~とは in 「あなたにとって仕事とはなんでしょうか」



あなたにとって仕事【しごと】とはなんでしょうか



What is the purpose of とは above?
Would using alone have been any different?


If とは is a grammatical construct, I would appreciate additional examples clarifying its significance.



Answer




“とは” introduces a definition.


“AとはBである” = “The definition of A is B”


In your example: “あなたにとって仕事 とは なんですか” = “How do you define jobs?” where “What do you work for?” is implied.


“あなたにとって仕事 なんですか” sounds awkward and is interpreted as “あなたの仕事はなんですか” (= “What is your job?”).


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